bg26.2 & half marathon and bg6000

Race Overview

The bg26.2 & half marathon and bg6000 will take place on October 31, 2026, at 300 8th Avenue, Bowling Green, KY. For more information, visit the official race page.

Boston Marathon Qualifying USATF Certified Course

• Course Description: The course starts (and finishes) at the Bowling Green Ballpark and runs a 13.1 mile loop through historic downtown Bowling Green, Kentucky and the beautiful campus of Western Kentucky University. All proceeds from the bg26.2 & half marathon go to the National MS Society in memory of Susan B. Riherd.
• Finisher's Medal: All finishers will receive a finisher's medal along with post-race refreshments. Post-race stretches and massages will be available.
• Start Time: Start time for the bg26.2 & half marathon is 7:00 a.m. Central Time.
• Course Checkpoints: Marathoners will run the course twice, with 5 checkpoints on the course for marathon runners and 2 for half marathoners. If registered as a marathoner and only run one loop (13.1 mile), crossing the finish line will result in a DNF.

Event Categories

• Marathon:
• Half Marathon:
• 6k (bg6000):
• Time Limit: There is a 6-hour time limit on the race. Marathon participants must maintain a 14:00 min/mi pace or reach the halfway point of the course (mile 13.1) within 3 hours. There will not be any course support or police service/protection after the 6-hour mark.

Expo & Pasta Dinner

• Event Schedule: Packet pick-up, the expo, and pasta dinner will be held on Saturday, October 31st at Bowling Green Ballpark from 5 - 7 pm.
• Race Day Packet Pickup: Sunday, November 1st 6:00-6:30 am at BG Ballpark Concession Window (no packets will be given out after 6:30 am).
• Pasta Dinner: The pasta dinner is free to each paid participant. Guests may purchase $3 tickets at the door.

Course Information

• Course Maps: Map and printable turn-by-turn instructions are available here.

Course Regulations

• No Strollers or Dogs: No strollers or dogs are allowed on the course. The bg26.2 & half marathon complies with the RRCA recommendations.

Course Safety Tips

• Open Course: The bg26.2 is an open course where side streets will be accessible and cars will be entering and exiting.
• Headphones Policy: We suggest the bg26.2 "one-ear" policy: Leave your left ear free.
• Unauthorized Cyclists: No unauthorized cyclists are allowed on the course due to insurance regulations.
• Visible Bibs: Bibs must be visible at all times and placed on the front for accurate timing.

Awards

• Overall Awards: Awards for overall finishers are determined by gun times: chip times will be used for other award categories.
• Marathon Awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards to bg26.2 male & female finishers, along with overall awards for masters and grandmasters.
• Half Marathon Awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards to half marathon male/female finishers, along with overall awards for masters and grandmasters.
• bg6000 Awards: Overall Male/Female finisher and 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place in various age groups.

Parking

Free parking is available at the Stadium Park Plaza parking garage adjacent to Bowling Green Ballpark. Be cautious of private parking lots that may charge fees. It is encouraged to use the public parking at the Stadium Park Plaza parking structure or BGMU parking lot.

No Refunds

• Registration Policy: bg26.2 & Half Marathon does not offer refunds for any event: all registrations are final.

Transfers / Deferrals

• Transfer Policy: Transfers and deferrals can be completed by the registrant in their RunSignUp race dashboard. A fee will apply.
• Last Date: The last date for transfers or deferrals is October 15, 2026.
• Contact: For questions, please email registration@bg262.com.

Support the Race to Beat MS - Become a Sponsor

Your company/organization can support the event and its efforts to 'move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis,' the goal of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

For more information, check the Sponsorship Letter.